Local business and consumer news. Openings, closings, deals, sales, what to buy and where to buy it, we round it all up and give you an insider's shopper's special on small business in Halifax. Contact shoptalk@thecoast.ca to send a tip.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Fiends finds a home on Agricola
A magical space for intentionality, self care, tarot and shopping.
Posted By Stephanie Johns on Wed, Oct 23, 2019 at 2:40 PM
Fiends
5775 Charles Street, second floor
Opens Thursday, October 31
F orest Eden Greenwell's new shop, Fiends, is a one-stop shop for folks interested in leading an intentional lifestyle. Linking self care to our own unique rituals, whatever those might be, Greenwell wants to elevate the little moments we give ourselves. A poet and a tarot reader, she co-hosts new moon gatherings with The Circle Womxns Society, where attendees can get their cards read, journal and discuss astrology and related topics. With Fiends—which opens on Halloween—Greenwell can put all these pursuits (and more) under one roof and create a community around it.
"We want to create a real space in the community for rituals and how we perceive them," says Greenwell. That includes regular workshops and meetings, thrifted clothing and jewellery, house plants curated by House Full of Plants, essential oils (including a custom blend just for the shop) and "a free library and available resources on spirituality and occultism and good books that teach you about life, as well as yoni eggs, sex toys, crystal wands—pleasure relates to ritual as well."
Greenwell explains small intentional pieces—like brass lighter holders—can help turn something as simple as lighting a candle while you unwind before bed into a special little moment. Even if you don't believe in astrology, tarot, crystals or the like, Fiends will be a place to support local makers and buy special thrifted items.
She also plans to offer $45-a month tarot memberships that include one monthly workshop and reading, plus 10 percent off in the shop. Greenwell hopes regular memberships will help clients "keep [their] spiritual selves accountable." Fiends will also offer tarot readings on a PWYC basis on Wednesdays.
Fiends aims to be a place for everyone to find a little something special to make the everyday a little more magical. "Small rituals enhance every day life, whether that's wearing power colours, carrying rocks or diffusing essential oils," says Greenwell. "We all make up our own belief systems in our lives and we don't always relate to the same things."
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Halifax street style: Gottingen Street
Scouring the streets for the city's most fashionable.
Posted By Carolina Andrade on Wed, Oct 16, 2019 at 6:25 PM
Age: 28
Occupation: Education and outreach coordinator, artist, activist
Spotted: Halifax North Memorial Public Library on Gottingen Street
Wearing: Sweater, t-shirt and army pants: H&M; jacket: Forever 21; kicks: Jordans. “I have a Black Lives Matter patch on my jacket that my wildly talented artist girlfriend Kordeena Clayton (She Nubian Liberation) made.”
Describe your style:
“My style is mine. I wear pieces and accessories, down to even my tattoos, that make me feel in alignment with myself.”
Where do you draw inspiration from for your wardrobe?
“Largely from folks I want to nod to or show respect for, give gratitude to and remember. I take fashion inspiration from Black and queer culture, from what’s happening in music, art and politics, mood and energy—simply from life. You are your own creation. Everything that I do is in alignment with thanking the folks who have sacrificed in order for me to be here today.”
Favourite local clothing brands?
“Hats off to tREv Clothing, Family Over Fame, Bad Publicity.”
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Great idea alert La Femme Fatale brings plus-sized bodies more than monotone basics
Warna Downey brings a new boutique to Bedford
Posted By Stephanie Johns on Wed, Oct 9, 2019 at 5:37 PM
La Femme Fatale
Sunnyside Mall, 1595 Bedford Highway
Like many folks, Warna Downey found shopping as a plus-sized woman supremely frustrating, if not downright impossible. Downey, who comes from a STEM background, recalls going into a Pennington’s in Fredericton (“we weren’t cool enough back then for an Addition Elle,” she says) and thinking: “These clothes are ugly.” Fortunate enough to have a bit of a sewing background, Downey would go to a fabric store, buy some cool fabric and sew her own surplice neckline tops. “No one should have to do that,” she says.
So, at a crossroads between continuing in academia after getting her Masters in geology and PhD in earth sciences or trying something completely new, she chose to open La Femme Fatale, a store catering to plus-sized women, which opened October 1 in Bedford’s Sunnyside Mall. “There’s a huge gap in the market, what’s out there is mostly controlled by Reitmans. They do a good job, they’ve been doing it for years for us,” she says. “You could go to Walmart or Giant Tiger but you know those are disposable. After a couple of washes, the t-shirts look a little sad. Something needs to change. It’s the pits not being able to find something that fits.”
La Femme Fatale’s style profile is trendy, modern mixed with boho pieces. “A little camo, a little animal print,” says Downey. “It’s fun, playful. So many great fall colours right now—mustard, forest green, cabernet. Plus-sized women are used to going into a store and picking from black, black, black and grey. I was conscious of that. We still have a fair amount because it’s a great basic but we wanted to branch out.”
“People’s reaction is that it’s beautiful and they get excited. One girl said ‘I didn’t know clothes came in plus-size that were this pretty.’” says Downey. “That right there made it worth all the hard work.”
GUIDED TOUR SPONSORED CONTENT GUIDED TOUR: NORTH END
Visit this authentic and thriving neighbourhood, with great food and offerings from boutiques and beer to pinball and Pilates.
Posted on Wed, Oct 9, 2019 at 1:54 PM
Sustainability is a State of Mind
We've seen the slow food movement take off, we've removed plastic from our kids' lunches, and we don't want chemicals in our beauty products–but have we stopped to think about how our clothing is made? Shop in alignment with your values at Sattva Boutique–where sustainability is stitched into the fabric of their atmosphere.
Sattva brings four pillars to how they source their clothing: sustainability for the planet, ethical fair trade production, local accessibility and social interest. This local shopping alternative shows the little steps that we can take to incorporate more mindfulness into our wardrobes.
Their professional and skilful stylists educate shoppers in an approachable way, while helping to achieve that staple look and feel connected to our pieces again. Sattva's modern classics transcend seasons, are timeless, ageless and work with us when our bodies and lives change. Sattva's quality pieces are with us for the long haul.
Sattva Boutique, 2453 Agricola Street
Accessible Nutrition
The fresh food at Springhouse continues to inspire us to eat healthy more often, thanks to the largest plant-based menu in Halifax. The restaurant on Gottingen is bright, light and filled with plants. Come in to grab a smoothie or wrap for take-out, or stay and enjoy a three-course meal.
We love the loaded mashed potato appetizer, noodle bowl and maple almond cheesecake for dessert. Pick up some groceries for your own home cooking like cashew parmesan and coconut bacon, and join for one of their nutrition and cooking classes to learn some new skills.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Springhouse on the daily without breaking the bank or compromising that "treat yourself" feel. You can even order delivery on Uber Eats.
With Springhouse's incredible taste, affordable meals and friendly staff, it's safe to say that we know what'll be on your menu for today...and tomorrow.
Springhouse Inc., 2290 Gottingen Street
On-brand
When was the last time you had a shopping experience that was geared to enhancing your authentic personality and beauty? Boutique Zekara's goal is to create a look and feel that truly expresses who you are.
After 20 years in the fashion industry, owning this boutique and the Saint John's location was a dream of Donna's–she loves meeting clients through the business and helping them to be unforgettable. Her constant stream of brands and products brings a new edge to Halifax's fashion scene. She and her terrific team even offer a make-up and skincare studio featuring the Lifeance natural skincare line as well as Merle Norman Cosmetics.
For the Zekara team, it's all about building relationships with their clients and being able to provide them with key fashionable items to build or complete their wardrobes.
The treasure hunt at Boutique Zekara never ends–every time you come in, you're sure to find a new game-changing piece.
Boutique Zekara, 2698 Agricola Street
Printing Ideas
Fresh Prints Custom Apparel has been our go-to screen printing shop for the last decade, where you can bring your group or businesses closer together with the art of t-shirt design.
No design is too outrageous. Fresh Prints will take the idea from your brain and plug it onto a shirt in no time. You can get a shirt made for any major occasion, like coordinating your sports team with the right logo, or setting up local events with matching festival tees. If you're feeling the spontaneous need for a quality tee, their retail boutique houses locally designed apparel such as North Beast and Scotian Original, so you can just grab and go.
Fresh Prints isn't just involved with their business–they sponsor and support other local businesses events such as Nocturne, Christmas Daddies, and Halifax Pop
Explosion. Leading with community at their forefront, Fresh Prints brings a little more heart to Halifax.
Fresh Prints Custom Apparel,
2411 Agricola Street
Home-cooked Deli
The smell, the taste, the family feel—with one bite, you'll be transported back to your mother's kitchen. Hali Deli is a place where food meets nostalgia, and where you'll feel right at home.
With comfort and ease at the forefront of the deli, the hardest decision you'll have to make is between all of their delectable dishes. Inspired by the simplicity of food from Eastern Europe, Lithuania, Russia and Hungary, the food is anything but plain. The tangy flavours mixed with sweet in their cabbage rolls, the warm matzo ball soup or signature smoked meat eggs Benny are enough to get you hooked.
Have a seat, and enjoy meals made from scratch. It's like eating at home (only the food is better!). Coming into the deli is being a part of north end Halifax history, and if it's not part of your routine yet, it will be now.
Hali Deli, 2389 Agricola Street
A Twist on Comfort
Are you a creature of habit? Why not go out on a limb and let Hopyard Beer Bar shake up your life? Don't worry, they're not asking you to risk too much–they'll just offer you an extensive regional beer list that rotates daily. Since they've built foundations with
breweries in all four Maritime provinces, you'll get some first tastes of the freshest brews.
From a culinary standpoint, Hopyard will tickle your taste buds with their playful spin on Southern BBQ, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Tokyo Street Food and 90 other evolving menu options. Take your time and let that food baby settle while you flip through their extensive collection of vinyl. With the help of Taz Records, Hopyard is always bringing new artists to your ears.
With the comfort of familiarity and a dash of rotation, you don't have to worry about
choosing a new location for you and your friends; Hopyard does the work for you.
Hopyard Beer Bar, 2103 Gottingen Street
Local Love
The cool weather is here and that means
reconnecting with our favourite bar. We can't help but gravitate towards The Local for trivia on Mondays, jazz nights on Wednesdays, Garrison Breweries Live Thursdays or the Sunday family-friendly matinee. Nothing says autumn like grabbing a pint of a local brew with an
afternoon of pool, ping pong, shuffleboard or a hang in the warm flower-filled atrium.
Let the relaxing atmosphere invite you over for their signature pizza and daytime fun with friends, and then come back downstairs to The Seahorse Tavern to let loose and unwind from your long week. Their stage is home to our classic Halifax bands and DJs, and you know they'll throw a new artist into the mix. We can always count on them to have the next big lineup we were looking for.
Get your dance on during any regular night or stop by for one of their theme nights. Who could say no to Retro Night's '80s-style neon colours and big, messy hair? The best
memories are made right at The Seahorse.
The Local / The Seahorse Tavern,
2037 Gottingen Street
Working With Your Body
Our schedules are busy, and our bodies are stressed; so why have our workouts been stressing us out even more? The Pilates Barre Halifax gets your body the workout it needs, while moving towards lowering your stress levels.
Meet the "self-care" of workouts that will get you in shape without feeling depleted afterwards. You'll feel like you're putting in the work, but with an added softness.
Their bright, open and airy vibe, combined with the soft pink palette, will instantly relax you and remind you why you came to work out in the first place: to find peace and strength.
The incredible instructors are certified and experienced and include chiropractors, massage therapists, as well as educators in the
Pilates world. You'll know you're in good hands with leaders who are invested in your wellbeing, who make sure you get an individualized experience in an intimate 12-person group setting. The Pilates Barre is the place for people who want to turn their go-go-go into flow-flow-flow.
The Pilates Barre Halifax,
5649 Hennessey Street
Game on
What does Propeller Brewing Company mean to you? Your first thought might go to that unmistakable taste that you can only get from their handcrafted beverages. Without a doubt, anyone who has visited Propeller's Tasting Room knows that it stretches beyond a best-selling microbrew–it's all about that ambiance.
Propeller is where you can sit and unwind with friends or on your own. There's no judgement if you just want to indulge in a night of gaming action in their new basement arcade, open Thursday-Sunday from 4pm until close. Propeller loves providing that comfortable space for all, which is why Wednesday nights are reserved for ladies/non-cis men to get their pinball on.
With rotating games like Jurassic Park pinball, Big Buck Hunter Safari edition or Narc, you won't want to leave. And with Propeller's Friday and Saturday hours extended to midnight for pints and take-home brew options, you'll never have to!
Propeller Brewing Company, 2015 Gottingen Street
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Nature Folk Wellness Studio is looking for connection
Dartmouth’s brand new spa wants to make self-care seem achievable.
Posted By Isabel Buckmaster on Wed, Sep 25, 2019 at 11:30 AM
What started out as a seemingly unattainable dream and inside joke between friends has become a reality for Anna Tremblay and Ashley Cluett, creators of Nature Folk Wellness Studio (88 Portland Street).
After meeting as servers at a restaurant, the two bonded over a shared passion for wellness, design and an interest in entrepreneurship. It was only after the complementary nature of their skill-sets—Cluett has a background in nutrition, marketing and holistic modality, while Tremblay has experience in graphic design—that their ideas blossomed into Nature Folk.
"We wanted a space where people can come, relax and meet other people who might be experiencing the same or similar struggles," says Cluett, "Nature Folk is designed so that when people walk in, they feel like they're home. We want self care to seem achievable, not intimidating, and everything here is designed to be easily customizable so that any individual can get the wellness experience that they need."
Nature Folk seeks to invoke a sense of community in its space, welcoming and encouraging practitioners and individuals alike on their path to well-being.
"With wellness, there isn't just one thing that is perfect for everybody. It is very dependent on that person, their mindset, what their body needs, and what feels right for them," says Tremblay, "We want Nature Folk to be a hub for a community who is passionate about wellness and curious about finding what care works for them".
Nordic-inspired, the studio was created as a fluid, functional space where people are free to come in, participate in workshops, get a massage or hang out. Nature Folk also offers a range of spa services, from the two-person infrared sauna to an in-house doula, a massage therapist and even Thursday Pilates classes. On top of that, it carries skincare products that are minimalistic, multi-purpose, sustainably and ethically sourced, and are run—and owned—by women.
"Nature Folk is our name because we are a group of like-minded people that engage with, care about and find peace in nature," says Cluett, "It is through this that we want people to have a deeper connection with themselves, a deeper connection with their environment, and a deeper connection with their community".
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Move East moves in on Quinpool
Hannah Kovacs’ coming-soon fitness studio welcomes folks of all fitness levels to get together and sweat.
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Sep 18, 2019 at 4:21 PM
Hannah Kovacs' career path might have been, as she puts it, "very non-linear" but eventually it led her back home. The born-and-raised Haligonian, who spent the last number of years living in Toronto, fell for fitness after dabbling in a few other worlds—earning a Masters in policy, working for a tech start-up and exploring the world of marketing and branding. But sitting at a desk didn't really do it for her.
"I really missed playing soccer at a competitive level," says Kovacs of the team mindset that drove her to take the workouts she'd lead for her friends to the next level. She became a certified fitness instructor and started building her own brand: HIIT with Hannah.
"It started for just me and my friends but word spread and my classes were quite busy," she says. "I would wake up every day looking to bring people together to sweat it out, and take that hour of their day to connect with themselves and other people." After putting in the work on the ground level, working with and learning from other studios, Kovacs decided to come back to Halifax and open her own, Move East (6130 Quinpool Road, in The Keep).
Aiming debut in mid-October, she'll offer high intensity interval training, fast- and slow-paced yoga, technique focused strength training and military-style fitness classes, for starters. Move East will also have a heated infrared room for hot classes and mobility work. There'll be major focus on team, community and offering something for folks of all fitness levels.
"I have always been the friend that brings people together, and I'm so lucky I get to do that through owning a fitness studio," says Kovacs. "I love that people from all walks of life and backgrounds can connect with each other in one space."
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
House of Eights levels up
Abady Alzahrani’s dance studio welcomes dancers of all levels to “shut everything out and have fun” with its new location.
Posted By Brandon Young on Wed, Aug 28, 2019 at 4:53 PM
House of Eights
1717 Barrington Street, 2nd Floor
houseofeights.com
D ance like everyone's watching, but like everyone watching isn't a judgemental asshole waiting for you to slip and fall. That's more or less the ethos at Halifax dance studio House of Eights, which encourages people of all levels of dance prowess to live their best lives.
Having launched in January, the drop-in style studio recently moved into a 2,000 square foot space downtown to accommodate growing demand from Haligonians wanting to have a ton of fun and learn a ton of new moves with their wide array of classes. If you're not convinced that merely having an interest in dance is enough, look no further than House of Eights founder, Abady Alzahrani. Having grown up in Saudi Arabia, where dancing "was not allowed," Alzahrani moved to Halifax in 2008 for school and quickly became enamoured with extra-curricular dance classes at his university.
"I got into dance a little late, technically," says Alzahrani, "because most people start dancing when they're kids, but I started when I was about 19 or 20."
Outside of university dance practices, Alzahrani was disheartened by Halifax's lack of dance spaces available to novice dance enthusiasts like himself. He began travelling to cities like Toronto and Los Angeles for intensive training with renowned dance instructors.
"I felt I needed to make up for lost time as a late-blooming dancer," says Alzahrani, who developed such a knack for the craft, he was soon teaching classes at his university as well as local schools.
Fast-forward to quitting his day job in marketing and advertising. Now, Alzahrani is fully committed to the craft and wants to inspire others like him with House of Eights.
"The name comes from the whole house name in the vogue world," says Alzahrani. "In vogue, when you join a house it's like your chosen family and your safe community where you can be yourself—so I wanted to use that term about how we want to be that judgment-free space for you."
And he's not lying. The vibrant, Instagrammable studio is home to over 10 in-house instructors who teach a vast and varied curriculum. K-pop? They got you. Heels? They got you. Getting high and doing improvisational dance? They got you.
"I wanted to make sure that there is a space for both super-advanced, experienced dancers who want to keep up their training," says Alzahrani, "but also for absolute beginners who've never danced before and want to try something new."
One of the main draws of the studio are the acclaimed guest instructors it hosts every month or two, some of which have choreographed for big names like Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
"Just because you live in Halifax doesn't mean you shouldn't have access to someone who is a professional commercial dance instructor who's constantly in shows and music videos and stuff like that," says Alzahrani.
Bringing a breath of fresh air into Halifax's dance scene, House of Eights plans to offer over 30 classes per week beginning in September and hopes to expand further on its class offerings. However, one thing remains the same.
"What I want people to get out of the classes is that this is your release and your place to be yourself, shut everything out and have fun," says Alzahrani. "It's super amazing getting to see people who are super shy, and then you see them in class living their best life—it's such a confidence builder. There's nothing like seeing someone perform like they're Beyoncé."
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Frankie’s Espresso Bar is on fire
How an old fire truck became Halifax’s roving percent plant based cafe.
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Jul 31, 2019 at 1:46 PM
It was about a year ago that Adam Otmar and Jill Mulveney had the idea to run a little coffee shop out of the back of a bus. The two veteran baristas envisioned a sustainable mobile cafe in a small school bus, but struggled to find something tall enough to accommodate their north of 5'10" heights. With a gut feeling, the couple bid on a decades-old, adorably squat fire truck in an online auction—without seeing it in person—and won. Six months later, after bringing it from Kingston, Ontario to Otmar's hometown of Hubley, the bright red, boxy rig is now Frankie's Espresso Bar.
"We've both been really interested in cafe culture and cafes that create ambience—it's more about that than coffee in general. That feeling you get when you're in a nice warm, welcoming cafe," says Otmar. "That's the drive behind what we're doing, creating that atmosphere and ambience but in a more mobile setting."
Together the pair, inspired by many of the inefficiently laid-out cafes they'd worked in, designed and renovated the truck themselves, making the very most of the compact space. The truck itself was in good shape, save for broken blinkers and a busted alternator, making the beautification process fairly easy.
"We wanted it white, bright and open," says Otmar. "We serve out of the back door so you can see the whole truck, making it seem as big as possible."
Apart from the whole firetruck thing, Frankie's also stands out because of its 100 percent plant-based menu. Every single drink is made sans-dairy products, and Otmar and Mulveney bake all of the vegan and gluten-free cookies, doughnuts and macaroons themselves.
"We try to eat as locally and consciously as we can, but another thing we learned from working in coffee shops is the amount of dairy milk they go through in a day," says Otmar. "We were off put by it, it could be 20 to 30 litres of milk a day for a small cafe. We decided if we were to open something, we'd want to be different."
For now, Frankie's is parked at the Tantallon Farmers' Market (16 Sonnys Road, Upper Tantallon) on Tuesdays from 2-6pm, and its owners are working hard to secure more parking spots in the city. Keep tabs on its whereabouts, special event appearances and general cuteness via @frankiethefiretruck.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
GUIDED TOUR SPONSORED CONTENT GUIDED TOUR: SPRING GARDEN
Style meets substance on Spring Garden Road and its surrounding blocks. The area’s awesome local businesses, like the ones featured here, make every visit rewarding.
Posted on Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 2:14 PM
The Italian Experience
Work up an appetite on your summer stroll through the Public Gardens and wander over to the other side...of the Atlantic. Your nose isn't fooling you—that's a little slice of Italy tempting you with dinner over at Mappatura Bistro.Take a seat on the new patio, close your eyes and imagine the cobblestone beneath your chair. We recommend starting off with one of Mappatura's daily featured spritzes, which is similar to an Aperol spritz but with a variety of amaros. You'll be swept away with that first sip of bitter-sweet bubbly tickling your tongue.
Their friendly staff know a thing or two about choreographing a genuine Italian experience. Come back when you can stretch the meal to last a lively Italian-styled afternoon (because who wouldn't want to take a two-hour lunch?). When your boss asks, blame it on the delicious calamari overload—guaranteed they'll be joining you for some famous carbonara, house-made pastas and oysters the next time around.
Mappatura Bistro, 5883 Spring Garden Road
Shopping With Heart
You'll go into Sweet Pea Boutique in search of that perfect dress, but you'll leave with a little more than material goodies. Sweet Pea transcends the traditional shopping experience; owner Johanna Galipeau initiates these intimate moments with clients that make them feel special from the minute they walk in.The reasonable prices are just a bonus to Sweet Pea's joyful smiles and personable service. Galipeau's boutique leads us through the fashion industry with heart—what really makes the store stand out is that it carries a small quantity of each style.
Whether you're after that perfect jumpsuit or beachy dress to throw over after a day of fun in the sun, no two outfits are alike. Say goodbye to seeing someone wearing that same outfit to a party—these looks are curated especially for you, so that you can express your unique flare through fashion.
Your style will scream "high-end big city boutique," but your wallet will be hometown happy.
Sweet Pea Boutique, 1542 Queen Street
Atlantic Community
If you've ever wondered where your neighbours are spending their mornings, we guarantee they've grabbed their coffee and are down at Atlantic News to find their favourite read. Atlantic News has been a staple in the community for 45 years, bringing locals their exclusive morning papers like The Globe and Mail or the Sunday New York Times.The employees love starting their days through meaningful conversations with new and long-term customers about politics and literature. All worldviews are welcome at Atlantic News, and did we mention they're dog-friendly too?
Even though it'll always be a magazine store, Atlantic News likes to stay ahead of the curve and follow the readers' interests. Its stock is specially curated to carry one-of-a-kind products like the famous art cards and newly expanded eccentric book selection: You can find the beautiful poetry of Donald Trump or the life coach advice of Putin. Now that's something you don't hear every day.
Atlantic News, 5560 Morris Street
Hop Into Adventure
Watch all of your worries hop away when you eat and drink like a true local at The Fickle Frog Pub. Grab one of its 26 beer options and take a sip of a Halifax staple. With the Frog's daily pint specials, you can come back and try a new brew every day.The Fickle Frog makes it worth your while to get out of your comfort zone. You can trust that it's always a good surprise when you dive into their Burger of the Week combinations—they'll have you jumping out of your seat.
The Fickle Frog doesn't just live for the weekends, it hosts plenty of activities for you weekday adventure-seekers. Sing your heart out at Tuesday Karaoke, laugh until you cry with The Pickled Frog Comedy Show on Mondays or stop in for a live local band on most nights.
Don't just take our word for it: You'll have to hop down to the pub and experience the fun at the Frog for yourself.
The Fickle Frog, 5675 Spring Garden Road
Fit-inesS
Swap your traditional workout for Aerial Silks and transform your fitness experience at inesS. It's not just about landing the trick—it's about having fun and leaving the space feeling confident in your body.Let your kids in on the fun and sign them up for inesS' Circus Camp. They'll create wonderful memories, make new friends and gain circus skills. They'll be jumping for joy, and you'll do a flip or two when you see how much fun they're having!
Classes and personal training are accessible for all bodies and fitness levels, including barre, pilates reformer, aerial yoga and more. Whether you're brave enough to fly 20 feet in the sky, or if you'd rather keep your feet planted, there's a place for you at inesS.
Catch inesS' talented staff in flying action in Entangled at the Fringe Festival this August. You'll take one look at the fun they're having and be inspired to join the aerial community.
1535 Dresden Row, Suite 203
Lunch is Served
Forgot your lunch? In a rush? Let Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods handle it. Pete's ready-made options, and custom-made salads and sandwiches, are take-out easy, mixed with the wholesome comfort of a homecooked meal. Get out of your chair, stretch your legs and fire up the rest of your day with something nutritious and delicious.Pete's Frootique accommodates dietary lifestyles from vegan to gluten-free. Its Gluten Free Eatery proves that "gluten-free" doesn't have to be "flavour-free." The gf kitchen cooks up tasty and unique options that are safe from any cross-contamination.
This Spring Garden market is perfect for those students living downtown. With Pete's Frootique's 10 percent off deal for students on Saturdays, you can afford to throw in a few extra avocadoes and brain-fuelling snacks for later.
Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods
1515 Dresden Row
Inhaling Education, Exhaling Misconceptions
There are many misunderstandings in the cannabis world. People are craving knowledge, clarity and a comfortable place to ask their questions, from "What's the difference between CBD and THC?" to "What do all the small percentages on the packages mean?"Breathing Green Solutions, Nova Scotia's first licensed cannabis producers and growers of SKOSHA brand of recreational cannabis, have opened an education centre where clients can come in with their list of questions, and leave feeling empowered about their cannabis choices.
The SKOSHA centre will serve as a dynamic space that combines education with a curated selection of retail cannabis accessories provided by the east coast chain Mary Janes. Guests who are 19-plus can explore the learning space while enjoying a cup of locally roasted Anchored Coffee.
The education centre is the first of its kind in the Atlantic provinces and features a wealth of cannabis education including infographics, books and magazines. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff provide customers with a comfortable cannabis learning experience.
The SKOSHA Education Centre,
5553 Clyde Street
The Place to Be
Spring Garden Road is home to 280 metres of fun—and that's just the main drag. There are over 150 shops for tourists to discover for the first time and for locals to become reacquainted with. When was the last time you went exploring down Spring Garden?Every window along the way is filled with decadent treats that'll make you stop in your tracks. Whether your foodie palette is tempted by worldly tastes, or you've been itching for a new clothing piece to add to the mix, the area delivers with its international restaurants and unique clothing and gift shops.
Spring Garden isn't just a host for good eats and shops—the area is filled with new experiences all year round.
Between the Children's Festival in August, Bark in the Park in September and the signature Shopping Under the Stars event in November and December, Spring Garden is, and always has been, the place to be.
Spring Garden Area Business Association, 5670 Spring Garden Road, Suite 609
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Safer Space Massage caters to all bodies and identities
Massage therapist Leah Inman wants to fill a void in the queer community.
Posted By Victoria Walton on Wed, Jul 17, 2019 at 1:24 PM
Safer Space Massage Therapy
@saferspacemassage
Online booking is available here
Six months ago, Leah Inman dove into a business idea by starting a massage clinic run out of their Fairview home.
"I've always been very entrepreneurial," Inman says. "I love working for myself, making my own hours. And it just made sense for me to try and break into my own massage business."
Inman is a Registered Massage Therapist who identifies as queer and sometimes uses gender-neutral pronouns.
"It's queer-focused therapeutic massage. I really try and cater to folks that maybe don't feel as comfortable in a traditional medical setting," she explains.
In massage school, Inman says some classmates would voice their annoyance with and lack of understanding of the needs of clients in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
"Being a queer person, it was really hard to see how people talk about queer people. I was sad to see my colleagues or my classmates complain about it or make it seem like it wasn't OK," Inman says.
Upon graduation, Inman began working at Massage Addict in downtown Halifax. But this past February she also opened Safer Space Massage Therapy.
"I just wanted to create a space where I myself would feel comfortable, along with my friends, my queer community," she says. When she first started Safer Space Massage, Inman reached out to consult people in the local queer community on how to make the practice welcoming for everyone.
"As a feminine-presenting white person I wanted to make sure that my space was as comfortable as it could be," she says. Clients "know that when they come here, they're going to be comfortable, their pronouns are going to be correct, their names are going to be correct."
Inman says about 95 percent of her clients identify somewhere on the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum, and about 60 percent are trans.
"There's really nothing in the Maritimes that specifically caters to queer folks. There are lots of queer-friendly places but I think having a queer-centred business makes it even more comfortable for people," Inman says.
While she's tried to learn as much as they can, Inman says she's always open to improving.
"I've learned and gotten education on how to treat specific injuries, or any dysfunction associated with things like wearing a binder or chest surgery," she says. "Any way that I can make this more comfortable for people, I want to know."
Safer Space Massage sees eight to 10 clients each week, and is gaining new customers every month. Massages at Safer Space are priced on a sliding pay scale—$65 for an hour for first-time clients, with direct billing options available.
"I was expecting to have maybe three or four clients, but even in my first month I had 15," Inman says. "By the end of the year, I want to be just focused here."
Later this month, Safer Space will be partnering with Halifax Pride by offering free massages at the Community Market. Eventually, Inman hopes Safer Space can offer a whole range of wellness needs.
"Physio, chiro, I even have friends who are hairdressers. I think we can really create safer spaces in all different ways," she says. "But for now I'm very happy just seeing where my massage business goes."
Steph McNair prioritizes non-binary beauty with Maneland
After 10 years working in hair, the Halifax artist and stylist debuts her own space.
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Jul 17, 2019 at 12:51 PM
Maneland
1528 Queen Street
Getting entangled in the world of hair was something of a surprise for Steph McNair. While making a living working in art galleries and as a carpenter, the visual artist—inspired by a good friend's at-home salon—applied to go to hair school on a whim, and got in.
"I never went to salons. I was cutting my own hair and my cuts were like kitchen cuts, and sort of very intuitive," she says. "And people liked it so I thought, maybe I could do this as a career.
"I really liked the art or the craft of it— I'm still obsessed with getting technically better—but another part of getting into it was that I didn't feel like there was a place for me per se, or at least that I didn't feel comfortable. I would go in looking for a men's cut and they would maybe do some version of that, but always at the end would be feminizing it in a way."
That was 10 years ago. Since then, McNair's been an educator at Calgary's Aveda Institute, made a name for herself and her cuts at local salons and now is gearing up to move forward by opening a place of her own: Maneland Non-Binary Beauty. Taking over one of Vintage Row's colourful saltbox houses—the green one—McNair, who's currently in renovation mode, will offer a sneak peek of what's to come with a soft opening from July 18 to 28.
"It's a place for people who are non-binary or don't feel bound to one beauty standard," says McNair of the space, where acceptance and accessibility (including price point) are high priority. "Hopefully they'll be able to feel it's coming from that perspective first, instead of walking into somewhere and being like, 'OK I have to navigate through the cis world.'"
McNair wanted to open Maneland not just to create a space where her clients were seen and understood, but fellow folks working in the industry as well. She hopes to be able to offer apprenticeships and mentorships to up-and-comers who might feel like they don't fit into the mainstream beauty world.
"Not to say there's anything wrong with salons, but getting into the industry was challenging and still is challenging 10 years later," she says. "Even that word 'beautiful,' or 'beauty,' I used that word because it's sort of loaded. In some ways it's very feminine, but I wanted it to be like—no, you can feel like a beautiful person in your truest sense. That's my goal, to just let people be...and listen to them."
After the soft stint in July, Maneland will go on pause while McNair heads to New York, where she'll link up with inspiring stylists doing similar work at gender-neutral barbershops Hairari and Manetamed. She expects the salon to be back in action and in full swing on Queen Street by late summer.
"I think it's an honour to have somebody give over their trust to you. I like being able to take someone's often verbal descriptions and maybe a couple of pictures of what they like or don't like, and just creating a growing sculpture," she says. "Just like in art there are principles of design in haircutting, that was one of the first things that was like, 'Oh this is an art,' that made me think, this is my medium. I never finished art school in part because I was always searching for the right medium—I liked mixed media—and I think this is a good one."
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Great idea alert NS Kayak and ATV Outside Adventure Tours heads "out and away"
Chris White's sees his personalized kayak trips as a tool for adventure
Posted By Allison Saunders on Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 5:00 AM
When Chris White was downsized from his outside sales job in 2017, he started thinking about what was next, how he would reinvent himself and what made him really happy. He took on a job as a bus driver for the flexibility to be active and outdoors—and wound up loving it—but this summer, he’s following his sense of adventure one step further. Next week, White officially launches his indie tour company, Nova Scotia Kayak and ATV Outside Adventures, inspired by the trips and treks he takes on his own.
“I’ve always been kayaking and for the last couple of years, even before I got downsized, I was thinking of something when I got to retirement,” he says of the idea. “I want to take people out and away.”
White’s packages are a bit choose-your-own-adventure style. “It’s going to be like putting a little puzzle together,” he says. “I’ll be getting people to tell me what they like to do.” Through the week, he plans to head out on kayak trips and will let his guests dictate where to go, whether it’s as close as Long Lake or anywhere from Sambro to the south shore’s epic coast. Packages range in length and can include food too—White is happy to cook up sandwiches and tea, barbecue and lobster boil or even brunch after a morning on the water. He can accommodate up to four passengers and does pickups anywhere in the HRM.
On the weekends, he’ll take it to the next level, offering premium trips for two that include transportation to the water on his side-by-side (in other words, a four-seater ATV). White says it isn’t a spectator sport—as a one-person operation, he expects his participants to, well, participate.
“I’m not teaching kayaking as much as I’m using it as a tool for adventure,” he says. “There are a lot of great kayak spots around, I’ve learned by going to them. When you’re in a kayak you’re the only one out there a lot of the time. You see the wildlife, you’re really out there in nature.” Find more info on White’s packages at nsoa.ca.
GUIDED TOUR SPONSORED CONTENT GUIDED TOUR: DOWNTOWN HALIFAX
Halifax’s downtown is the business capital of Atlantic Canada, a place of bank towers and bustle. But savvy visitors can find boutique experiences here too, the sort of shops, services and tastes that make Halifax unique.
Posted on Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 1:00 AM
A Local Treasure
Having recently celebrated its eighth birthday, Inkwell Modern Handmade is recognized as a fixture of downtown. Inkwell makes gifting a meaningful piece of home easy and personal. The shop is known for filling in our blanks with poetic text and quirky designs to celebrate any occasion. Tug at your significant other's heart strings or call on your wedding party in a memorable way—you'll find the right words among Inkwell's 200-plus handmade artists.
Inkwell's expanding selection of Canadian-made goods includes local food and pottery items, from tea and gourmet chocolates to fun containers for your farm-fresh finds like berries and eggs. You'll also recognize your favourite Nova Scotian artists in the mix, including local treasure Emma FitzGerald.
If you've been waiting for your chance to take a spin on Inkwell's century-old letterpress, Saturday, July 20 is your chance! In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Lunar Landing, you can print your own complimentary moon-themed souvenir for yourself or your lunar-loving pal.
Inkwell Modern Handmade,
2011 Brunswick Street
Freshen Up Your Eyecare Routine
Wearing frames is about more than achieving that refined look, but it doesn't hurt to look a little stylish while prioritizing your eyecare.
Ocean Optometry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to cutting-edge frames, and with its investments in eyecare technology like Digital Retinal Photographs and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging, you can know they're doing the same with your vision health.
Just like your personal style, your eyes are one-of-a-kind and deserve excellent assessments. Ocean Optometry's tailored approach to identifying your individual needs transcends a couple of "box checks" on a list. Its in-depth Q&As allows the shop to get to know you, all while providing you with premium updates that can help you stay on top of your eyecare.
Their frictionless experience in a relaxed atmosphere, combined with the luxury of booking online and enjoying complimentary parking downtown, makes for a great reason to freshen up your routine and take a dip in the ocean.
Ocean Optometry, 5240 Blowers Street
A Dessert to Remember
Are you waffle lovers ready to think outside the box and let your taste buds burst with a new dessert experience at Cafe Taiyaki 52?
This isn't a typo for teriyaki—taiyaki is a traditional Japanese dessert found right in downtown Halifax. This hybrid version of a Western waffle or pancake is baked golden brown, fluffed with carefully chosen ingredients and packed with sweet flavourful fillings.
You can indulge in the adorable cafe's spin on the signature sweet eats, like their bite-size Mini Gangs, or cool off with the Jaw Dropper, soft-serve mango or matcha ice cream swirled into a fish-shaped cone.
This bright, positive and uniquely lovely cafe is ready to show Halifax a dessert like no other. Give in to the temptation and stop by Taiyaki 52 for a Java Blend coffee and dessert, or take the fishy fun home to your family for an after-supper treat. There's nothing like dessert to foster sweet memorable moments together.
Cafe Taiyaki 52, 2009 Brunswick Street
Live Music at Your
Fingertips
Grab your foodie friends and "sip and share" a bottle of rosé paired with a dozen oysters this patio season at The Carleton. Its happy hour offers enough mix 'n' match small plates
to satisfy everyone's post-work summer
cravings.
Newly renovated, The Carleton radiates historic charm in the heart of the city. Widely known as one of Atlantic Canada's premiere live music venues, you can almost always expect to hear tunes when you walk through their doors. The Dinner at The Carleton series marries the two things we all love most—delicious food and great tunes (local, national and international).
The Carleton's fresh, locally inspired, and elevated comfort food is brought to life by chef Michael Dolente, silver medallist in Canada's Culinary Championship 2018 for Nova Scotia. His friendly chef-brewmaster Craft Draught Showdown, which happens every two months, is just one example of why The Carleton is one of the most intriguing and popular downtown destinations.
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle Street
Pour Me a Glass of History
Explore the past with Compass Distillers and its new off-the-beaten-path partnership with the Halifax Citadel.
Compass is an award-winning grain-to-glass distillery, which means everything is made from scratch, on site and from agricultural products sourced from Nova Scotia. With this recent launch, Compass Distillers' spirits are even more exclusive and help to tell the story of our region through food and drink.
The different levels of experiences range from a stand-out tasting of the three drinks, to the upper tiers that are crafted for you history and spirit buffs alike. Take a tour of the Citadel with one of the highlanders and sneak a peek behind the scenes at the barreling room. Along with the specialty spirits—Noon Gun Gin, Fort George Genever and Daily Ration Run—the highest tier lets you pull a sample from the barrel-aged whiskey before everyone else.
What better way to heighten your knowledge of the area than drinking up a glass of history?
Book tours 48 hours in advance at halifaxcitadel.ca
Bet on Flavourful Food
You can taste the tradition behind family-owned and operated May Garden. The restaurant specializes in Canadian Chinese food but also crafts authentic Chinese for Cantonese-style dish lovers. With 40 years of experience, May has learned a thing or two about which HRM food cravings need to be satisfied.
May Garden has added four other locations to the original in Lower Sackville, including its newest, conveniently located inside Casino Nova Scotia. After you've tested your luck and are ready to spend your earnings (or indulge your losses), May Garden will be waiting.
The Casino location combines a modern and bright vibe with a bar and a patio overlooking the harbour. Along with its eclectic regular menu and weekend dim sum special, you can bring your freshly caught lobster and cook it traditional Cantonese style. (If you don't want to leave the house, the menu is available on UberEats.)
With these portions and flavourful dishes, you always win big at May Garden.
May Garden, 1983 Upper Water Street
Enveloped in Naan
Take in the authentic Indian food that has been passed from generation to generation at Shivani's Kitchen.
Shivani's recipes are inspired by her mother's and grandmother's dishes and transformed to be made completely her own.
Traditionally when you want to enjoy Indian food, you need to do so in a time-consuming fashion. At Shivani's, you only have to wait five minutes before you're indulging in a portable sample platter of butter chicken or curry dishes, without compromising the taste you know and love.
Shivani's traditional oven bakes the freshest naan bread in the HRM, which is used to wrap her unique stuffed naan rolls—they can be filled with anything from bacon and egg to marinated Tandoor chicken.
Shivani reinvents the meaning of "to-go food," so the next time you're walking around downtown and have a sudden craving for Indian food, you can take it all with you on your summer stroll by the sea.
Shivani's Kitchen, 1209 Marginal Road
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Vintage clothing for plus bodies, by plus bodies
Online thrift shops Fat Chance Vintage and Kitsch District look outside of straight sizes and binaries to provide inclusive, accessible second-hand clothing.
Posted By Morgan Mullin on Wed, Jul 3, 2019 at 4:39 PM
For Olivia Weir—the curatorial eye behind Instagram account Fat Chance Vintage—a love of thrift that saw her skipping high school to hit up Value Village became more than a hobby with the speed of a Nike swoosh. She held a 1980s bomber from the brand in a thrift shop, and, as she recalls, "It was not my style but I had to buy it. Someone had hand-stitched a cross onto the lapel, and that moment told me the story of who owned it."
Since May, when Weir posted that jacket on her Instagram and a bidding war erupted in the comments, she's has been part of a mini-wave of local Instagram accounts helping fat folks thread up with affordable, fashionable options in a range of sizes—all posted on the app and sold through DMs.
"When I started, I wrote myself a letter: I always wanted to be inclusive and accessible—like buying clothes from friends and peers, not some unattainable cool," Weir explains. "Being a plus retailer means being an inclusive retailer and being inclusive means good price points."
Most of her inventory will run you under $20.
"When I go to a thrift store, I don't want something that looks like I went to Pennington's—I don't want that built-in-cardigan top," Weir says. "I shop a lot in the men's section because sizes are bigger, things are more unique and there's more natural fibres."
At this point, Weir can hit up to five thrift stores a day with a shopping routine so down-pat it borders on an art. (A tip? "Don't waste your time on the plus bins at Frenchy's: It's all just variations on the same thing.")
While Fat Chance has quickly made a name for itself with a steady selection of jeans, shorts and retro tees that start at size 12, fellow account Kitsch District has also been amassing likes and sales for things like zip-up pleather minis and vintage-y, cowboy-looking button downs at negotiable prices (OBO—"or best offer"—is the closing line of each item description).
As founder Fox Parker puts it, "My mission statement is to be for every body, everyone and every wallet." With pithy item descriptions resting outside the gender binary, it's common for a Kitsch District item to put the supposed gender in suggestive quotes—a simple effort that speaks to the inclusion Parker is creating.
"It started out as a hobby for me, but I think over years of following queer businesses and seeing the needs of queer people, the needs of people not shopping in straight sizes, seeing more curated thrift would bother me," Parker explains. "Seeing sizes extra-small to medium for $30—that's what I see constantly—that's not accessible to a lot of people, especially people I'm around. We're not rich in any sense of the word. We need to prioritize people who don't have access to this stuff."
Parker adds that they're happy to see customers message to talk about accessibility, to ask to try things on and to barter: "Ultimately what I want to do, not just as a business but as a person, is make people comfortable."
On separate phone interviews, each reseller gushes about the other, talking about the "hole in the market"—both in the world of curated thrift and Halifax fashion at large—that's finally being filled, as Weir puts it, "for plus bodies by plus bodies." You can follow along with the revolution, one post at a time, at @fat.chance.vintage and @kitsch.district.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
GUIDED TOUR SPONSORED CONTENT GUIDED TOUR: BEDFORD
Posted on Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 1:00 AM
Spontaneous Sipping
Let your day take you off-course and right to Off Track Brewing, Bedford's only brewery. It's where you can release all of your troubles and come as you are. Their relaxed environment welcomes people in from all walks of life.
These new brewers have already grown to house 15 taps, and within the next few weeks they'll be able to double their production with their new tanks. You may have already tasted Crash Course IPA, Damn Skippy PB Stout or Coconut Kolsch—and if you have, you know that these guys love to experiment with flavours. We can expect several new unique beers by the end of June, including a wheat beer made with haskap berries and cherries for a refreshing patio beer.
Bring over some food from around the neighbourhood and take a load off with a crowd-pleasing pint or an eccentric brew. We can't wait to see what tricks they have up their fermenters.
Off Track Brewing, 275 Rocky Lake Drive
Coming in Clutch
From Amazon to Uber, there's nothing you can't access online at the touch of a button. So why shouldn't you be able to find a used car this way?
Clutch.ca takes away all of the hassle of having to visit a dealership; with a quick scroll and click, you can be test driving your dream car by lunch. The local Clutch Concierges will drive it right to your home or office so that you can test it up to 200 kilometres around the HRM—no pushy sales tactics or commitment included. The power is truly in the consumer's hand.
Without the added dealership costs, Clutch's savings are their customers' savings. That goes for buying a Clutch Certified vehicle, or if you're looking to sell your car. Clutch will appraise it and take it off your hands for a price that you can feel good about.
The car hunt has never been so stress free, and with their seven-day money-back guarantee, you'll be sure that this is the car for you.
Clutch.ca, 20 Duke Street
Pleasing People with Every Bite
When you walk inside 3A Restaurant you'll find a stylish interior, cozy atmosphere and an ever-changing menu that is sure to keep you on your toes.
The story behind the 3A name celebrates the three owners who moved from Cape Breton to Halifax to make a dream come true. Charlie, head chef and co-owner, has devoted eight years to cooking. You can taste his passion in every meal they serve.
Their homemade menu items are constantly changing, rotating from classic fish and chips or steak all the way to Asian fusion dishes made with pork broth, Thai tastes with their Thai chicken burger and new Indian-style dishes like the maple curry chicken penne.
As a fully licensed bar with beer, wine and creative cocktails, 3A offers an exclusive "fine dining" experience while catering to every budget. These innovative dishes are ones you've never seen crafted before.
3A Restaurant, 264 Bedford Highway
Wallet-Happy Wearhouse
Celebrating a quarter-century of great deals this year, Bedford Appliance Warehouse still knows how to make our dollar go that extra mile. With high-end appliances at low-end prices, you can comfortably blueprint all of those summer home updates you've had planned, without worrying about compromising the quality for price.
Whether you're looking to modernize your home kitchen or upgrade the cottage appliances, they can pair your budget to the style that you're looking for. These attractive packages are perfect for when you're in the market for more than once piece. Go the contemporary route with their sleek stainless-steel collections or stick with the traditional, they've got plenty of options no matter the home aesthetic.
You can finally enjoy your summer vacation without those appliance headaches. With reliable brands like Whirlpool, Kitchen-Aid, Frigidaire and Electrolux, your dream kitchen, fully-stocked Airbnb or summer home-away-from-home is waiting for you at Bedford Appliance Warehouse.
Bedford Appliance Warehouse,
1743 Bedford Highway
Photo-Quality Aesthetic,
Real-World Taste
A "real world" of tastes is what you experience when you take that first bite of this
Instagrammable bagel. With Izzy's Bagels there's no fine print, all of the natural ingredients are laid out for us to see (and to taste).
Flour, water, year, sugar and a sprinkle of salt—that's it!
A little goes a long way, and when the recipe is simple, the flavours have a chance to come out and play.
Izzy's experiments with natural flavours to bring the most eccentric and fantasized-about bagels to life. You can always count on their rainbow Pride Week special, or red-and-white-coloured dough to show our nation some love on Canada Day.
Their equally unique whipped cream cheeses will have you floating away, dreaming about your bagel long after breakfast is done. And Izzy's doesn't hold out on the good stuff—they slather it on. Trust us, the messier the face, the better it tastes!
Izzy's Bagels, 1180 Bedford Highway
Spicing Up Your Everyday Meals
Who says you shouldn't grocery shop on an empty stomach? Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods will rev up your appetite and then instantly satisfy those cravings with their ready-made dining options. Let your taste buds take control—they may just guide you through the aisles and tempt you with something new to throw into the "tonight's dinner" mix.
Pete's Frootique delivers all of the decadent flavours that come with eating out, mixed in with the wholesome comfort of a homecooked meal. This Bedford landmark is filled with new fresh and local delights to try, and with a 10 percent off deal for seniors on Wednesdays and students on Saturdays, you can afford to throw a little something extra into your basket.
Take advantage of your lunch break to shop around with some friends, and then power up with a healthy Best of Halifax-winning salad or smoothie. You'll get back to work feeling renewed and ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods,
1595 Bedford Highway
Bringing the "Experience" Back to Shopping
Sunnyside Mall changes your idea of what a mall should be and treats its customers to a comfortable shopping experience.
Say goodbye to fast food, because the mall's "foodie food court" serves made-in-house goodies from around the world that staff prepare on the spot.
You can find all of the mainstream stores that you know and love, while also supporting the local scene with a mix of independent boutiques to suit everyone's shopping preferences.
It's not often that you'll see an outdoor patio available at a mall, and Sunnyside houses four unique options. Grab your Second Cup coffee beside fresh flowers, step onto a top-notch Italian terrace at Il Mercato, enjoy more patio space at Finbar's Irish Pub or sip on that handcrafted summer cocktail at The Middle Spoon.
Along with their events in partnership with Make-A-Wish and Autism NS, you'll know that Sunnyside is passionate about bringing customers the complete community feel when they walk through the doors.
Sunnyside Mall, 1595 Bedford Highway
Bedford's Days
As Bedford's population rises, amenities and new local services aren't far behind. Watching as plans turn into actionable growth has been a treat for councillor Tim Outhit.
He says there have been some extraordinary additions to the restaurant and pub scene, many of which will be showcased Saturday night at Sunnyside Mall, at the Rouge et Blanc sampling party during Bedford Days.
With the increase in local eateries and shops, traffic through Bedford is busier than ever. Though Outhit discloses that the plan for the commuter rail to relieve some of the congestion isn't coming, the district will be reinvestigating improvements to the Bedford Highway. Along with this project, they'll be looking into Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and a possible ferry service that takes people from Bedford into downtown Halifax.
Maintaining accessibility to and from Bedford is very important to Outhit, especially with finalizing preliminary work on the library. The next step is to find the perfect location, and to continue watching Bedford flourish as a district and community.
Councillor Tim Outhit, HRM District 16 Bedford-Wentworth, 902-229-6385
Recent Comments
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Re: Hot winter daze at SENSEA Nordic Spa
Sounds like fun. Charming to have a some Nordic flair in the Maritimes.
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on January 19, 2020
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